A local eco-friendly shop that opened less than eighteen months ago is set to close its doors due to the rise in living costs and inflation.
The owners of Church Street Pantry in Portadown have made the difficult decision, with owner Nicola Walker telling Belfast Live that costs for the business were "going up and up to the point where we were being strangled".
She said: "It has been a really difficult decision to make but we have families to think about. Every time we would place an order, the prices kept increasing each time."
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The shop, located on Church Street in Portadown, opened its doors in February 2021.
Nicola and co-owner David Walker shared the news on their Facebook page on Monday.
They said: "Unfortunately, the rising cost of electricity and stock alongside the return of business rates and a drop in footfall has forced us to make this difficult and emotional decision- our small sustainability focused business is just no longer sustainable."
"David and I are incredibly thankful for each and every customer we have had through our doors and hopefully we have encouraged a more eco conscious way of living and shopping which will continue- one of our main goals from the very beginning."
Refill shops, otherwise known as zero waste or eco shops, are usually independent-run businesses with aims of reducing unnecessary waste by offering non-packaged goods from grains and spices, to hygiene and cleaning products.
Messages of support and condolences were shared on the post, with one customer commenting, "So saddened to be reading this. You put so much into this place and I loved visiting".
Another added: " Very sorry to hear this. All the best for the future".
A Portadown based cider firm, Long Meadow Cider, added: "So sorry to hear this David and Nicola! Thank you very much for all your hard work and supporting local producers in your fantastic refill centre".
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